Holiday Events In O.C. 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — 'Tis the season!

It's time to start filling your 2022 calendars with such holiday events as Christmas parades, tree and menorah lightings, breakfasts with Santa, Nutcracker ballets, concerts and other community extravaganzas throughout Orange County.

Peruse Patch's annual guide to find festivities going on near you.

Christmas this year falls on Sunday, Dec. 25, while Hanukkah runs Dec. 18 through Dec. 26.

Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.

And to all our readers, Happy Holidays, from Patch!

----------

ALISO VIEJO:

DEC. 1: 'AlI Is Bright' Holiday Celebration, Tree Lighting & Santa. At Town Center with train rides, ornament making, performances, snowfall & jolly ole St. Nick.

DEC. 11: Celtic Christmas with Dirk Freymuth & "Titanic" & "Outlander" Piper Eric Rigler. "Fast becoming a holiday tradition" at Soka.

DEC. 16: Breakfast With Santa. Save your seats!

----------

ANAHEIM

DEC. 3: Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Village. "Candy Canine" dog costume contest included.

DEC. 21: 'Chanukah With The Ducks' & Menorah Lighting. Pre-game festivities with gelt, donuts, music & street hockey.

THROUGH JAN. 8: Disney Holidays. Lots to see & do at "The Happiest Place on Earth."

----------

BREA:

DEC. 1: Tree-Lighting Holiday Ceremony & Santa. Festivities include St. Nick's arrival.

---------

BUENA PARK:

THROUGH JAN. 8: 'Knott's Merry Farm': Knott’s Berry Farm. Park transforms into dazzling winter wonderland with holiday entertainment & food specials.

------------

CORONA DEL MAR:

THROUGH DEC. 23: IN-STORE EVENT: Lil’ Dickens Carolers. At Roger’s Gardens and Farmhouse.

DEC. 4: Annual Christmas Walk. Features local bands, Santa visits, beer garden & more.

DEC. 9-22: Nights Of 1000 Lights': Sherman Gardens. Book fast as the holiday spectacular is always a sell-out.

DEC. 13: LIVE STREAM: Original Designs Christmas Living Centerpieces + Embellished Wreaths with Onita. With Roger's Gardens.

---------

COSTA MESA:

DEC. 2-24: South Coast Repertory 'A Christmas Carol': Segerstrom Stage. "Orange County’s favorite yuletide tradition continues!"

DEC. 10: ‘Tis the Season for “An OC Mix Holiday” Event at SOCO. Day of holiday-inspired workshops, music, food & drinks for all ages.

DEC. 11: Menorah Building Workshop. Family fun!

DEC. 18-19: Pacific Chorale: Tis the Season! Special guests Southern California Children’s Chorus, Pacific Symphony & Santa.

THROUGH JAN. 1: 'Winter Fest OC' Holiday Carnival, Ice Skating & Santa: OC Fairgrounds. With bounce houses, holiday market, crafts, dazzling walk-thrus & more.

-----------

DANA POINT:

DEC. 3: Christmas Boutique & Craft Fair with Food Trucks. One-of-a-kind gifts from local artists & crafters.

DEC. 3: La Plaza Park Tree Lighting & Santa. Carolers, hot chocolate & cookies, too!

DEC. 3: Jolly Trolley & Santa Stops: 4 Parks. With treats for kids up to 12.

DEC. 4: 'Sleigh The Holidays' Market & Festival On Del Prado. New holiday event with food trucks, entertainment & Santa Claus.

DEC. 5: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa: Pines Park. Unwrapped toys welcomed for Spark of Love Toy Drive.

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 9-11: 'Surfin’ USA' Holiday Boat Parade Of Lights. Head to the harbor!

DEC. 10: Ballet Academy & Movement Nutcracker. Tickets on sale. Two performances.

-----------

FOUNTAIN VALLEY:

DEC. 3: Holiday Tree Lighting, Santa, Snow & Fireworks. At the rec center.

DEC. 4: FV Schools Foundation Festival of Trees. Tickets on sale.

THROUGH DEC. 24: Annual Holiday 'Spark Of Love Toy Drive' - With several local drop-off sites.

-----------

HUNTINGTON BEACH:

THROUGH DEC. 31: Paséa Hotel Outdoor, Holiday Ice Skating Rink. "Skate & chill where the sand meets the snow."

DEC. 3-4 & 11: Ballet Etudes "The Nutcracker." A holiday tradition!

DEC. 4: 'Light A Light Of Love': Beach Pier Plaza. Benefits Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.

DEC. 7-9: 'Live Nativity' Drive-Thru & Walk-Thru: FCCHB, First Christian Church. Extravaganza in its 50th year.

DEC. 10-11: Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade. Supports music education for Orange County schools.

DEC. 16-23: Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise Of Lights. Go aboard for narrated boat tours.

DEC. 17-18: Coast City Ballet 'Nutcracker' - "Experience the magic of dance at Coast City Ballet’s annual production of this famed holiday favorite!"

----------

IRVINE:

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 11: Holiday Boutique. Unique & handcrafted items await.

DEC. 18: Hanukkah Celebration: Pretend City Children’s Museum. Art projects, stories & dreidel fun for little ones.

DEC. 19: Canadian Brass: Christmas Time is Here. From Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

DEC. 23: Christmas Celebration & Santa: Pretend City Children’s Museum. With art projects, stories & Santa meet-'n-greets.

THROUGH DEC. 30: 'Hikari - A Festival Of Lights': Tanaka Farms. Book a cozy wagon ride on festively lit farm.

THROUGH JAN. 1: Spectrum Center's Outdoor, Holiday Ice-Skating Rink. "Skate under the stars!"

------------

LADERA RANCH:

DEC. 6: Ladera Christmas-Fest. Santa, snow, music, free kids' sandwiches, toy drive & more at Board & Brew.

--------

LAGUNA BEACH:

DEC. 2: 'Hospitality Night' Holiday Street Party & Santa. A community tradition with live music, crafts & merchant open houses.

DEC. 3-4, 10-11, 16-18: Annual 'Winter Fantasy' Fest: Sawdust Art Festival. "One-of-a-kind holiday art festival."

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 8-29: 'The Wonderful Winter Of Oz: A Holiday Panto': Laguna Playhouse. "Classic American tale gets a holiday makeover."

DEC. 10-11: The Nutcracker. Presented by California Ballet Theater & Pryntsev Ballet Academy.

DEC. 14: Laguna JaZz Band Holiday Concert At The Suzi Q. Free to all.

DEC. 18: Laguna Concert Band Holiday 'Christmas Through The Looking Glass' - Free at Laguna Beach High School.

DEC. 19-20: Sister's Christmas Catechism: Laguna Playhouse. "It's 'CSI: Bethlehem' in this holiday mystery extravaganza."

DEC. 31: Rita Rudner: 'It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like New Year's': Laguna Playhouse. LOL your way into 2023.

-----------

LAGUNA HILLS:

DEC. 8: SVRWF Christmas Party. At The Hills Hotel.

DEC. 8: 'Herald In The Holidays' Tree Lighting Fest. Featuring music from South Orange County Holiday Brass & Spirit Bells, hand bell choir from Concordia University.

----------

LAGUNA NIGUEL:

DEC. 3: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa. With lots of family-friendly fun planned.

DEC. 3-4: Christmas Worship Festival: "The Promised Light is Still Here" - Music with choir, soloists & orchestra.

DEC. 10: Annual Holiday Parade. A hometown tradition! Shuttle service offered.

DEC. 18: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: City Hall. Features live entertainment, activities, crafts & Chanukah treats.

--------

LAKE FOREST:

DEC. 3: Holiday Tree Lighting, Crafts, Bounce Houses & Santa. Sparks of Love toy drive planned, too.

DEC. 9-11: Annual Candlelight Walk: Heritage Hill Historical Park. With kids' crafts & Santa.

DEC. 16-18: Holiday Lights: Heritage Hill Historical Park. Event is free & leashed dogs welcomed.

---------

LOS ALAMITOS:

NOV. 30 & DEC. 3: Holiday Toy Drive. Donate new, unwrapped toy & earn "Holiday Bucks."

DEC. 3: 'Winter Wonderland' Tree Lighting, Snow & Santa: St. Isidore Historical Plaza. Time to sled & play in the snow!

---------

MISSION VIEJO:

DEC. 2-3: Drive-Thru Nativity at Mount of Olives. Non-perishable food donations welcomed, too.

DEC. 3: Holiday Acapella Singing Quartet. Free event at Potocki Center for Arts.

DEC. 5-12: 'Rudolph's Rink' Outdoor Ice Skating. 'Christmas Café' on site selling cocoa & warm beverages, too.

DEC. 11: Holiday Harmonies. Starring The Festival Singers of Orange County.

DEC. 11: Brunch With Santa: Oso Creek Golf Course. Usually sells out, so book soon.

DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Services at Mount of Olives Church. Candle lighting & music planned.

----------

NEWPORT BEACH:

THROUGH DEC. 23: Lil’ Dickens Carolers. At Roger's Gardens.

DEC. 1: 'Holiday Hullabaloo' Christmas Tree Lighting & Musical Review: Balboa Bay Resort. "The most spectacular tree lighting in Orange County!"

DEC. 3 & 7: Pacific Chorale: Carols by Candlelight. Traditional & contemporary holiday music with Grammy-winning group.

DEC. 4: 40th Annual Holiday Tree Fantasy Event. Fundraiser for Child Guidance Center.

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 8: Friends of CASA Holiday Luncheon. Elegant lunch & fashion show supports Orange County's foster system for children.

DEC. 11: 24th Annual Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour. Festive day on the island & tickets on sale.

DEC. 14-18: Christmas Boat Parade. Fireworks on opening & closing nights.

THROUGH DEC.: Bright & Beautiful • A Christmas Boutique. Experience Roger's Gardens' annual Christmas wonderland.

THROUGH JAN. 1: Lighting Of The Bay & Christmas Tree Lot: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Tree lot operates through Christmas Eve.

---------

ORANGE:

DEC. 10: Christmas At The OC Zoo & Santa. Day includes Santa, Mrs. Claus & festive kids' crafts.

THROUGH DEC. 23: Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train & Santa's Village. A holiday tradition for O.C. families!

----------

RANCHO MISSION VIEJO:

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

----------

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA:

DEC. 1: Jingle and Mingle Mixer. Hosted by Chamber of Commerce.

DEC. 3: SAMLARC Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. For association members & their guests.

DEC. 31: Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration. Community celebration for all at Central Park.

-----------

SAN CLEMENTE:

DEC. 1-4, 10-11 & 20-22: Casa Lumina Holiday Walk: Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens. "A magical garden walk with creative activities and 1000+ twinkling lights!"

DEC. 3: Santa's Village By The Sea, Tree Lighting & Snow Hill. "One holiday event that brings the Holly Jolly Hoopla."

DEC. 3: Joyful Sounds for the Holidays. With the San Clemente Choral Society.

DEC. 4: Holistic Holiday Makers Market. Admission is free.

DEC. 10: SoCal Sound 88.5 FM OC Holiday Toy Drive: Surfing Heritage & Culture Center. Live surf music, refreshments & giveaways planned during event.

DEC. 18: Chanukah On The Pier & Menorah Lighting. With "Dreidel Man," latkes, donuts, gelt & 10-foot menorah.

DEC. 20: Chanukah & Grand Menorah Lighting: Outlets At San Clemente. Fun includes stilt walker with gelt & dreidel parachute drop.

-----------

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO:

DEC. 3: Christmas Tree Lighting & Festivities. Live entertainment & Santa, too.

DEC. 3-30: Holiday 'Capistrano Lights': Mission San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy carolers, Santa selfies, twinkling lights, kids' crafts, sweet treats & more.

---------

SANTA ANA:

DEC. 4: Winter Holidays Festival. Free, festive event at Bowers Museum.

DEC. 8-JAN. 8: Winter Village & Outdoor Ice Skating Rink: Civic Center. With entertainment, food trucks & family-friendly fun.

DEC. 11: Guo Pei: Art of Couture Holiday Tours. Docent-led tours at Bowers Museum.

DEC. 22: Timeless Melodies: Popular Christmas Songs. "Nostalgic walk down memory lane."

-----------

SEAL BEACH:

DEC. 2: Annual Christmas Parade. Rain or shine ... coming to Main Street.

DEC. 11: Pre-Chanukah Menorah Lighting. Free to all at the pier.

-----------

TRABUCO CANYON:

DEC. 3: 'No Crappy Crafts' Holiday Craft Show. Kick off your holiday shopping from artisans at Trabuco General Store.

DEC. 8: Melanie Penn Christmas Concert: Trabuco Canyon Community Church. Free to all.

----------

VILLA PARK:

DEC. 11: Holiday 'Dry Land Boat Parade' — This year's theme: "The Yachts Are Coming To Town."

DEC. 21: Community Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting. With latkes, donuts, music, crafts & more.

----------

YORBA LINDA:

DEC. 3: Annual 'Holiday On Main Street' & Santa. "Fun & festive night" with choo-choo train, balloon artist, face painting, live music, Santa & more.

DEC. 20: A Candlelight Evening at the Nixon Library. With Huntington Beach Concert Band, Santa & festivities.

-----------

FOR OTHER NEARBY REGION EVENTS:

• Holiday Events San Diego Co. 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings
• Holiday Events Inland Empire 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings